When the huddle broke during 11-on-11 drills Saturday at Houston Texans training camp, one defensive player was lined up out of his usual position.
Third-year safety Jalen Pitre had shifted down closer to the line of scrimmage as Houston’s starting nickel defender for a pair of series. Jimmie Ward remained at free safety while veteran Eric Murray took reps on the strong side.
The nickel position is a familiar territory for the Houston native. While at Baylor, Pitre lined up as the team’s ‘STAR’ defender, which is essentially a hybrid role between safety and weakside linebacker.
He shined at the spot during his final two seasons in Waco, winning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 after helping the Bears secure a conference title. That season, Pitre finished with 75 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, seven pass breakups and two interceptions.
So, could the move be permanent heading into 2024?
“We are moving all those guys around,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “Again, I think we said this for when we got here the more versatile you can be, the better it helps us.”
#Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke on Jalen Pitre strong start to camp. Has lined up at safety and nickel @KPRC2 'There's a lot of guys we're crosstraining. He's doing a great job.' pic.twitter.com/90btT0c9aT
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 20, 2024
Houston has questions in the slot entering fall camp. Second-round pick Kamari Lassiter was expected to compete with veteran Desmond King for first-team reps when drafted. So far, the Georgia standout has worked opposite Derek Stingely Jr. on the boundary.
The safety market still has options available that could help Houston secure another division title behind reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. Names like Quandre Diggs and All-Pro Justin Simmons have yet to sign since the start of the free agency and could take a one-year prove-it deal before cashing in next offseason.
Pitre excelled in Lovie Smith’s zone-heavy coverage as a rookie, totaling five interceptions while finishing second on the team in tackle with 147 stops. But like many, a sophomore slump ensued last season, especially when asked to play in man coverage.
Pitre’s position flexibility opens up the defense even if Houston elects not to target another safety. Murray, who re-signed on a one-year deal this offseason, saw his role increase last season due to early injuries, totaling four starts before tearing his meniscus in Houston’s win over the Saints.
Today was significantly more active.
Take aways:
CJ Stroud connected with Diggs three times thru 4 team periods.
There was miscommunication in the pass game at times that frustrated Stroud.
Pitre might have a new ish position: nickel. That’s what he played at Baylor and… https://t.co/xtw6cMEYX2
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) July 20, 2024
Ideally, Houston could want him to rotate in with Ward and Pitre, but he seems fine working with the starters. On Saturday, he intercepted Stroud on a pass intended for Tank Dell.
The Texans value versatility on defense, as evident by their recent signings. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair can play all three spots at the second level.
Veteran lineman Denico Autry is listed as a defensive end, but he’s also started at defensive tackle during his time with the Indianapolis Colts.
Pitre fits a similar mold, and Burke values having someone who can solve a problem in a pinch.
“He has had a great start to camp,” Burke said. “He is in a really good spot for us, for sure.”